5-Minute Canned Chicken Salad Recipe - Butter with a Side of Bread (2024)

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Easy Chicken Salad recipe that’s the BEST chicken salad ever! The simple dressing adds great flavor. Easy chicken salad with plain yogurt, apples, grapes, celery, cucumber & raisins! Great as chicken salad sandwiches or in lettuce as a wrap or as an appetizer on crackers.

I’ve always loved chicken salad and have made it so many times over the years. I consider this recipe perfection! It’s very versatile, so feel free to add in or swap out whatever items you’d like. I give some ideas below.

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Tips for a Quick Chicken Salad Recipe with Canned Chicken

Here are several tips on how to make this recipe come together QUICK!

  1. Use canned chicken! Just drain and you’re all set. This recipe requires 1 Costco sized can or two small cans.
  2. OR Use a store-bought rotisserie chicken. Just diced and refrigerate to cool, then proceed with recipe. {this can of course be done ahead of time!}
  3. Slice the celery and cucumber beforehand. Store them in a small container in the fridge until ready to use.
  4. Make the entire recipe ahead of time and let sit in a closed container in the fridge until ready to serve.

Add-Ins for Chicken Salad with Canned Chicken

This recipe is incredibly versatile! Here are my favorite mix ins:

  • sliced almonds
  • cashews
  • chopped pecans
  • pineapple tidbits
  • water chestnuts
  • Craisins
  • dried cherries
  • chopped sugar snap peas

How much chicken salad per person?

You should plan on allowing 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup chicken salad per person, depending on how you’re serving it. If you’re making this for mini croissants as an appetizer, you can even use just shy of 1/4 cup of chicken salad. If you’re serving chicken salad sandwiches for lunch or dinner, you’ll want to allow 1/2 a cup or even 1/3 cup per person.

Ingredients for making Chicken Salad from Canned Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe:

  • Diced cooked chicken
  • Diced apple
  • Sliced grapes
  • Sliced celery
  • Mini cucumber
  • Raisins
  • Plain yogurt (or sour cream)
  • Mayonnaise
  • Dashes of salt, pepper, dried parsley and onion powder, to taste

How to Make Chicken Salad with Canned Chicken

  1. Prepare fruits and vegetables, slicing and/or dicing as needed.
  2. Combine everything in a medium sized mixing bowl. Stir until well combined.
  3. Use this recipe in a sandwich, on crackers, as filling for lettuce wraps, or on a bed of lettuce. I’ve been known to just eat it with a fork too- it’s THAT good!
  4. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Will last for several days!

Recipe serves 6 with 1/2 cup portions.

5-Minute Canned Chicken Salad Recipe - Butter with a Side of Bread (5)

5-Minute Chicken Salad with Canned Chicken

Easy 5-Minute Chicken Salad recipe that’s the BEST I’ve ever tasted! The simple dressing really makes it perfect. Chicken Salad recipe made with diced chicken, plain yogurt, apples, grapes, celery, cucumber, raisins and more! Great as chicken salad sandwiches or in lettuce as a wrap or on crackers.

5 from 14 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: chicken

Cuisine: American

Keyword: chicken salad

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 144kcal

Author:

Ingredients

  • 2 cups diced cooked chicken
  • 1/2 apple diced but not peeled
  • 1/4 cup sliced grapes
  • 2 stems of celery sliced
  • 1 seedless mini cucumber
  • rounded 1/4 cup raisins
  • 1/4 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • dashes of salt pepper, dried parsley and onion powder, to taste

Instructions

  • Prepare fruits and vegetables, slicing and/or dicing as needed.

  • Combine everything in a medium sized mixing bowl. Stir until well combined.

  • Use chicken salad in a sandwich, on crackers, as filling for lettuce wraps, or on a bed of lettuce. I’ve been known to just eat it with a fork too- it’s THAT good!

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Will last for several days!

Video

Notes

Here are several tips on how to make a recipe for chicken salad come together QUICK! –Use canned chicken! Just drain and you’re all set. This recipe requires 1 Costco sized can or two small cans. Use a store-bought rotisserie chicken. Just diced and refrigerate to cool, then proceed with recipe. {this can of course be done ahead of time!} Slice the celery and cucumber beforehand. Store them in a small container in the fridge until ready to use.

Chicken salad is incredibly versatile- Here are my favorite mix ins: sliced almonds, cashews, chopped pecans, pineapple tidbits, water chestnuts, Craisins, and dried cherries.

Recipe serves 6 with 1/2 cup portions.

Nutrition

Calories: 144kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 89mg | Potassium: 199mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 120IU | Vitamin C: 2.6mg | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 0.4mg


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Ways to Serve Canned Chicken Salad

You can serve chicken salad on regular bread or croissants for sandwiches. I also love chicken salad served on crackers or in a lettuce wrap, for a low-carb option!

Canned Chicken Salad Recipe FAQ

Is chicken salad healthy?

This recipe is packed full of protein, fruits and vegetables, so yes, it is a healthy food option. I even substituted plain yogurt in for half of the traditional mayonnaise which adds even more protein and cuts down on fat and calories. I love adding the diced cucumber for an additional vegetable source, plus the crunch is delicious. If you want to make this recipe even more healthy, serve it on whole grain high fiber bread, or serve it on leaves of lettuce, as a lettuce wrap.

Should you rinse canned chicken?

You can rinse canned chicken, but it’s not necessary. If you do opt to rinse it, make sure you strain out the additional water.

Does canned chicken need to be cooked?

Canned chicken is already cooked and ready to serve! It’s tender, juicy and perfect for chicken salad.

How can I make canned chicken better?

Canned chicken is often combined with other items to make it taste less plain. In this case we toss it with a variety of other ingredients, like celery, Craisins and apples, then mix it with a fantastic dressing to add even more flavor!

Can this canned chicken salad recipe be made a day ahead?

Yes, you can make this recipe a day ahead of when you plan to serve it. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I actually think day old chicken salad tastes even better as it has had a chance for the flavors to meld! Just give your salad a good stir and if the chicken has absorbed the moisture, you might want to add in a bit more mayonnaise or plain yogurt to compensate.

How long does chicken salad last with canned chicken?

Chicken salad will stay good for 5-7 days if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. My favorite airtight containers are Snapware. I’ve found that when I use Snapware, the foods generally stay fresh for at least 3-4 days longer than when you use regular tupperware.

Can you freeze chicken salad?

Theoretically, yes, you can freeze chicken salad but know that the texture will suffer once thawed out and served. The mayonnaise can separate slightly, so it’d be a good idea to stir thoroughly and then add in a tad more fresh mayo prior to serving. The cucumber and celery will lose much, if not all of their crunch once they’re thawed as well. So yes, you can freeze this recipe, but really it tastes so much better if eaten fresh!

Check out our other popular salad recipes:

  • Fiesta Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad
  • Fancy Fruit Salad
  • Orange Cream Fruit Salad
  • Chicken Pasta Salad
  • Cranberry Jello Salad
  • Tropical Jello Pretzel Salad
  • Creamy Orange Fruit Salad
  • Berries and Cream Salad
  • Cream Cheese Grape Salad
  • Berry Spinach Salad
  • Copycat KFC Coleslaw recipe
  • Garden Vegetable Caprese Salad
  • Spinach Chicken Pasta Salad
  • Pizza Pasta Salad
  • Chinese Chicken Salad

5-Minute Canned Chicken Salad Recipe - Butter with a Side of Bread (8)

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I began Butter, with a Side of Bread to delve deeper into my fascination with food! I love cooking easy, delicious recipes and trying out new products. Welcome and I hope you stick around!

  • 5-Minute Canned Chicken Salad Recipe - Butter with a Side of Bread (9)
  • 5-Minute Canned Chicken Salad Recipe - Butter with a Side of Bread (10)
  • 5-Minute Canned Chicken Salad Recipe - Butter with a Side of Bread (11)
  • 5-Minute Canned Chicken Salad Recipe - Butter with a Side of Bread (12)
  • 5-Minute Canned Chicken Salad Recipe - Butter with a Side of Bread (13)
5-Minute Canned Chicken Salad Recipe - Butter with a Side of Bread (2024)

FAQs

How can I make canned chicken taste good? ›

15 Ways To Elevate Canned Chicken
  1. Pair it with textured ingredients in chicken salad. ...
  2. Smother it with cheese and seasonings for a perfect dip. ...
  3. Fry it to give it extra texture. ...
  4. Mix it with other fillings for a flavorful chicken pot pie. ...
  5. Pair it with fresh herbs. ...
  6. Make a high-protein pizza crust.
Jan 9, 2024

Should you rinse canned chicken? ›

Drain the liquid from the canned chicken breast and rinse it under cold water to remove any residue. Pat the chicken breast dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This will ensure better browning and flavor.

What not to do when preparing chicken salad? ›

To ensure that your chicken salad tastes the way that it should, you should avoid using overcooked or dry chicken in your recipe. Unfortunately, as we cook chicken, the moisture of the bird slowly evaporates.

How many carbs are in 1 cup of homemade chicken salad? ›

Chicken Salad (1 cup) contains 2.3g total carbs, 1.6g net carbs, 31.9g fat, 29.4g protein, and 417 calories.

How does Paula Deen make chicken salad? ›

In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, curry powder, salt and pepper. Gently fold in the chicken, grapes, celery, onion and almonds. Taste for seasoning and adjust accordingly. Serve on whole wheat bread with lettuce and tomato.

How do you make canned meat taste good? ›

To bring out the taste of more full-flavored canned meat like Spam, your best move is to brown it in a frying pan or oven. This caramelizes the meat and intensifies the distinctive taste.

Is canned chicken healthy? ›

The big but: Just because canned chicken likely has fewer nutrients than the most expensive, highest quality chicken you can buy doesn't make it unhealthy. So long as you watch out for sodium and added ingredients, canned chicken is still a solid option for protein in a pinch.

Why does canned chicken taste different? ›

The canning process tends to take away a lot of the original flavor and some of the firmness of the chicken. Including canned chicken in a pasta recipe would imbue the entire dish with the metallic taste and "essence" of the can, potentially overpowering the contribution of the other ingredients or the delicate sauce.

How does canned chicken not go bad? ›

While canned goods past their "best-by" date may not taste optimal, there's no real health risk in consuming canned goods as long as they remain in good condition. Here's why: The food in the container is commercially sterile and a vacuum seal prevents any new bacteria from getting in, so it will not spoil.

How to give chicken salad more flavor? ›

Toasted Almonds – Toast your sliced almonds to bring out more of the nutty flavor. Parsley – One of the best herbs for adding to salads, just finely chop up a few tablespoons. Tarragon – The best secret ingredient! You'll be amazed at how much flavor just a little bit of tarragon adds to the salad.

What causes food poisoning in chicken salad? ›

When cooked, chicken can be a nutritious choice, but raw chicken can be contaminated with Campylobacter, Salmonella, or Clostridium perfringens germs. If you eat undercooked chicken, you can get a foodborne illness, also called food poisoning.

What to do if you put too much mayo in chicken salad? ›

To offset the creaminess (and potentially wetness) of too much mayo, try adding in more of whatever crunchy element you were using. Celery and red onion are some of the most common ones, but you can also try chopped red peppers, bacon bits, carrots, cabbage, apples, chopped nuts, and more.

Can I eat chicken salad everyday? ›

Absolutely — chicken salad can be healthy. Just how healthy comes down to the ingredients used, the portion eaten, and the other foods it's paired with to make a meal.

How healthy is chicken salad? ›

Is Chicken Salad Healthy? Definitely — chicken salad is full of lean proteins, minerals, and vitamins. It is low in sugar, carbs, and fiber while high in protein. Therefore, this low-calorie salad is good for your health.

Is chicken salad good for high cholesterol? ›

If you use breast meat (as opposed to dark meat or chicken cooked with the skin on) the salad will have less cholesterol and saturated fat. Celery, onion and any other produce incorporated in the salad will add vitamins, minerals and fiber.

How do you prepare canned chicken? ›

Step-by-Step Instructions:

You can use a colander or sieve to remove the excess liquid. Add the canned chicken to the heated pan. Break up any large chunks using a spoon or fork. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Do you drain canned chicken before using? ›

Canned chicken is often used as a convenient substitute for fresh chicken in a variety of recipes but it's important to know how to cook with it to maximize flavor and texture. For instance, one common mistake is not draining or rinsing the chicken before use, which can result in a more processed taste.

What is canned chicken good in? ›

12 Ways To Use Canned Chicken
  • Try your hand at making quesadillas with canned chicken. ...
  • Put it in chicken wraps. ...
  • Turn a whole canned chicken into bone broth. ...
  • Make slow cooker chicken enchiladas. ...
  • Add some extra protein to your egg foo young recipe. ...
  • Toss it in your chicken soup. ...
  • Whip up a quick, easy chicken salad.
Jul 27, 2023

Can you use the liquid in canned chicken? ›

The liquid in canned chicken can be used as broth, but its flavor and quality may not be as good as homemade or commercially prepared broth. The liquid in canned chicken is essentially the chicken's cooking liquid, which has been flavored with salt and other seasonings.

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